We’re so close to spring that I can taste it. And it tastes like fresh-cut grass, bike rides, daylight saving and egg-shaped sweetarts. 😜
In case you’re new here 🙌, each month I send out a digest of curated things I’m loving. You’ll see a mix of products, content and tips.
In case you’re old here 😉😘, you might notice this content looks a little different. More on that below!
I’M NOT JUST MOVING TO SUBSTACK
That sounds like I’m announcing a new business software we’re using. We’re not just switching to Convertkit to Substack. That would be boring news to share, right? Nope, this is new content almost like my next big book idea spread out in weekly chunks. My new Substack,
, will be a place to share our Weekly Peptalks and Monthly Digests but also with an option to upgrade to a Monday post where I’ll share a question I’m wrestling with and we’ll talk it out in comments and I’ll include questions to wrestle with in prayer with God too! I love goals and good habit but one of the things. that has changed my life the most has been asking questions and being open to God changing my heart. For the first few weeks, I’ll send a preview email to see if it’s something you’d be interested in. You can stay a free subscriber for life if you prefer and get the digest and peptalks! If you want to sign up, you can get 20% off for life right here.ADD A TABLECLOTH
We’re semi-minimalist so our decor is relatively unfussy but one way I’ve loved decorating for Christmas is a plaid tablecloth on our dining room table that stays out all season long. If we spill during dinner, we toss it in the wash and it honestly makes cleanup easier. But I never thought about having one for other seasons. I’m grabbing one of these for Easter/spring. And wishing this one fit our table. How cute!
IF HOUSEWORK & TO DO’S ARE THE DISTRACTION
My friend texted asking how I handle praying when there are just so many things to do (and usually in eyesight). My hack is to keep my planner next to me and jot down whatever task I want to jump up and go do. Without it, the to-do’s sit on my brain too afraid to move or be lost. Writing it down lets me know I can pray and it won’t be forgotten. Two other tips? Set a timer for 5 minutes. 99% of housework was ruined from taking 5 minutes to pray before. The other? Try our House Prayers worksheet and pray WHILE you move through the house.
THIS CALMS THE NERVOUS SYSTEM?
I am still thinking about this quote from
’s recent post! “The rhythmic motion of chopping and using my hands releases so much stress and restores the nervous system.” What a mental shift when it comes to preparing a meal. I know very few women who LOVE to cook. For most, it feels like an unwanted chore. I’m slowly getting into it more, but I may post this on a sticky near my cutting boards!PRAYER PROMPTS FOR MARCH
I started sharing a few extra prompts each month thinking it would be cool if a group of. us were praying for these same things! Check out the list for March here.
LATELY LIVING IN…
My husband’s white tees. They’re comfortable. They cover my bottom when I’m wearing yoga pants. And they surprisingly dress up a sweater as it’s now the style to have a little crew neck showing. (I’m trying to keep up! ) I’m wearing these from Target, but leave a comment. I’d love to hear if you have a favorite basic white tee? Tyler keeps wondering where his go. 🤭
LESS HUMIDITY PLEASE!
I can already feel my hair frizzing just thinking of the warmer temperatures. I honestly don’t mind it too much and I even love a good humid night but not in ma bathroom. We had to demo a bathroom because of mold growth so I loved finding out that certain plants absorb moisture after a long shower. Going to the plant store this weekend to find some of these!
A LIFE TRANSFORMED
"I’ve read your blog posts for years! Your thoughts challenge me and I don’t want to miss that!
-New Substack subscriber
FROM THE BOOKSHELF
1,000 Words by
It’s been such an inspiring read as I dive back into writing.
We’ve got a copy to give away to the first person to hit reply with your mailing address!
See a full list of my favorite books HERE! This email may contain affiliate links. If you choose to purchase after clicking a link, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
SHOP NEWS
We’ve got fun Easter bundles in the shop! One of my favorite shop tasks may be picking special edition colors!
Talk soon,
Val
P.S. You’ll get a preview on Monday of our first official post. I’m sharing how I failed last year and there’s something fun at the end.
It's only been over the past 3-4 years, motivated by an ulcerative colitis diagnosis, but I have really grown to love cooking. I resonate with Caroline's quote you shared. There is definitely a therapeutic element for me when I'm in the kitchen, in my own head space.
Hehe 😄 And my husband has those same t-shirts from Target. I borrow them all the time. So, no recommendations from me. Just support of your decision to wear his. 😉
Love the idea of praying right before and/or during housework ❤️
I was also just thinking that I really need to get consistent with exercising more to relieve stress…but now I’m thinking about cooking in a whole new way 🤯